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Hamline student receives national award for service and work in social justice

Hamline student receives national award for service and work in social justice

Lisa Fralish works for change.

The junior English major has funneled her passion into many campus- and state-wide organizations where she strives to make a difference in people’s lives.

Her unwavering devotion to service and social justice has not just impacted the Hamline community, but has captured the attention of Campus Compact, a coalition of more than 1,100 college and university presidents devoted to advocacy and service.

The Newman Civic Fellow Award was awarded to 135 students across the nation who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country.

“These students represent the next generation of public problem solvers and civic leaders,” Campus Compact President Maureen F. Curley said. “They serve as national examples of the role that higher education plays in building a better world.” A familiar face around campus, Fralish is involved with a plethora of organizations including the Wesley Center for Spirituality, Service and Social Justice and the Minnesota Public Interest Research Group.

“The award was a great honor,” Fralish said. “I’m really humbled and excited.”

Fralish has also led two Catalyst spring break service-learning trips to Washington, D.C. focusing on issues of homelessness and poverty. The Catalyst program was started at Hamline in 2001 as a way for students to serve diverse communities across the nation.

“I was inspired by the passion that the Hamline community has for helping others,” Fralish said. “It inspired and empowered me to confront social injustices and work to fix them.”

Receiving this prestigious award has only strengthened Fralish’s resolve to work for the issues she cares about.

“This is just the next step,” Fralish said. “I’m looking forward to networking with student leaders from across the country and making both Hamline and our world a better place.”